With more than 2 million new cancer cases expected in 2024, a Florida doctor who has survived cancer wants to help others navigate the realm of a life-altering diagnosis.
Dr. Chris Scuderi, who works at Millennium Physicians Group in Jacksonville, was diagnosed with: bladder cancer In November 2020, at the end of a difficult year, amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
“My diagnosis was a huge surprise because I was in my mid-40s, had no family history, exercised almost every day, and ate a very healthy diet overall,” Scuderi told FOX News Digital. said in an interview.
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Scuderi did not have any of the risk factors or typical symptoms normally associated with bladder cancer.
“I thought I had food poisoning,” he said.
A cancer diagnosis can bring with it a range of overwhelming emotions, survivors told Fox News Digital. (St. Petersburg)
He underwent surgery a week after his diagnosis and then completed a year of chemotherapy specifically targeted at bladder cancer.
Today, Scuderi is healthy and cancer-free.he made some Lifestyle changeswhich includes placing more emphasis on eating more plant-based foods and getting regular exercise.
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“Stress, overwork and irregular sleep have been areas I have had to deal with in my life as a doctor, husband and father,” he said.
“For the past two years, I’ve been using a fitness tracker to carefully monitor my sleep, stress levels, and recovery every day, and use this objective data to prioritize my rest.”
emotional roller coaster
Scuderi noted that each patient’s emotional response will be different.
“There are a lot of emotions in the first few weeks and the unknown can be very scary,” he says.
“I don’t know what treatment options are available or how this will affect my or my family’s life. I don’t know how this will affect my work or future plans. I don’t know.”
Dr. Chris Scuderi (left), who works at Millennium Physician Group in Jacksonville, Florida, was diagnosed with bladder cancer in November 2020. “Stress, overwork, and irregular sleep have been areas I’ve had to deal with in my life as a doctor, husband, and dad,” he said. (Dr. Chris Scuderi)
“There’s so much to process and it feels like your life is at a standstill while the rest of the world is moving forward.”
Some patients may feel sad about their loss. their health, and the abandonment of plans that had to be put on hold, the doctor noted. This can also cause feelings of anger.
Denial is also a common reaction, as many patients resist the reality that their lives will change.
“There are a lot of emotions that come up in the first few weeks, and the unknown can be very scary.”
Anxiety and fear are also typical emotions, Scuderi said, as a cancer diagnosis triggers feelings of anxiety and anxiety.
“Talking to your health care team about your diagnosis, including how you feel about it, your treatment plan and next steps, can help ease some of the anxiety,” he says.
“You often wonder, ‘Why is this happening to me?’ Or, ‘Did I do something to cause this?'” the doctor added.
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“Patients can feel conflicting emotions at the same time, including shock, sadness, relief, hope, and fear. Having someone by their side and knowing there is a plan in place can make a huge difference.”
Erin Grach, an Ohio mother and fitness instructor, said: breast cancer People who were diagnosed first in 2016 and then again in 2022 also experienced a range of emotions, she told FOX News Digital.
The first one was a shock. “Why did this happen to me?”
Erin Grach, pictured here, is a two-time cancer survivor who has completed the Boston Marathon nine times. (Erin Grach)
Next was guilt. “What did I do? Could I have done anything to cause or prevent this?”
Anger was also a prevalent emotion, especially when Gratsch’s second diagnosis was made.
“I remember throwing an end table across the family room and it shattered,” she said.
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Gratsch also experienced worries and depression, including thoughts such as, “Am I going to die? I don’t want to undergo radiation therapy or chemotherapy. How will I pay my bills and work? I don’t want to be a burden to my family.” I was thinking. I want to live until I become a grandpa or grandma. ”
Then came survival mode and hope. That’s when Gratsch changed his outlook to, “Okay, what do we have to do to overcome this?”
A big change in perspective
Gratitude plays a big role in Scuderi’s daily life, he said.
“Before I go to sleep, I list three things that I am especially grateful for that day, because I realize now more than ever that every day is a gift,” he said.
“Many studies have shown how powerful our sense of gratitude is for our health. And at our current pace, if we don’t take time to reflect, we lose track of the gains we’ve made throughout the day. It’s easy to miss out on so many great moments and connections.”
One doctor said it’s important to have a support team to help you along the way, from diagnosis to treatment to recovery. (St. Petersburg)
Since her diagnosis, Scuderi has prioritized travel and experiences, spending more time with family and friends.
To celebrate the end of his cancer treatment, he and friends hiked the last 160 miles of the Camino de Santiago.
“There are three things I am especially grateful for from that day.”
“Cancer changes your perspective,” he said. “Diagnosis and treatment helped me see what was really important. It also helped me renew my power of choice in life.”
Scuderi’s victory over cancer also strengthened her belief in the importance of encouragement.
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“There were so many people who supported me during my diagnosis. surgery and treatment“From then on, it became my mission to encourage others,” he told FOX News Digital.
He also emphasized that even after cancer, growth is not linear. “Sometimes it’s two steps forward and one step back.”
Tips for coping with emotions after diagnosis
For those who have just been diagnosed, Scuderi and Gratsch offer tips for getting through the first days and weeks.
Communicate with your care team
“When I was talking to you, family doctorthe oncologist, and other members of the treatment team can help manage anxiety and uncertainty about the diagnosis and fear of what will happen next, Scuderi said.
“Many patients find that they feel less stressed when they know what they need to do and how to get back to health.”
“Cancer takes away a lot, but running and exercising was one of the things I could do to feel good about myself,” Gratsch said. (Dennis F. Photography/Dennis Haney)
In Scuderi’s case, the urologist who led his treatment was a “huge part” of the journey.
“It’s important to have a team that communicates well and that you can trust,” he added.
Getting a professional second opinion also helps patients feel like they’re making the most informed decisions about their care, Gratsch said.
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“This gives patients confidence that they are making the right decision, knowing that both doctors are recommending the same plan,” she says. “You can also get additional advice and information from her second doctor that you couldn’t get from the first.”
Build a non-medical support team
In addition to discussions with your treatment team, Dr. Scuderi said it’s essential to have a support team of loved ones to help you along the way, from diagnosis to treatment to recovery.
“If you need additional support, don’t be afraid to ask for them,” he said. “It’s okay to be honest. A cancer diagnosis is overwhelming no matter what. Sharing your fear with others can help ease the emotional burden and give you all the energy you need to help you recover.” You can pour it.”
Getting a second opinion from a specialist also helps patients feel like they’re making the most informed decisions about their care, survivors told Fox News Digital. (St. Petersburg)
Gratsch echoed his advice to let others take care of you.
“Take advantage of local resources,” she said. “Social workers, hospitals and oncology clinics can refer patients for assistance such as financial assistance, emotional support groups, transportation to and from treatment, and meals.”
Continue to do physical exercise as much as possible
“I may not be able to exercise as vigorously as I used to, but 20-30 minutes walk It’s a great way to reduce stress and improve your mood,” Scuderi said.
“Being outdoors as much as possible can have a boosting effect on your immune system. Talk to your team about what exercise is best for you.”
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An avid runner, Gracchi continued to run about five marathons a year during her cancer treatment, after undergoing multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments.
“Cancer takes away a lot, but running and exercising was one of the things I could do to feel good about myself,” she said.
keep doing fun things
Pursuing enjoyable hobbies and activities can help maintain a sense of normalcy and lift your mood, Scuderi says.
One doctor said it can be helpful to pursue enjoyable hobbies and activities to maintain a sense of normalcy and lift your mood. (St. Petersburg)
“Patients with serious illnesses can become depressed due to the emotional strain of cancer, chemotherapy, hospitalization, etc. Therefore, hobbies and being close to loved ones can be It helps reduce these anxious feelings. sadness or despair,” He said.
focus on the present
“It’s very important to live each day without worrying too much about tomorrow or worrying about yesterday’s regrets,” Scuderi said.
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“Cancer recovery takes a lot of energy, but my patients who live their lives to the best of their ability every day seem to do better.”
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